Are you prepared for storm season? Here are a few things you can do now to be ready:
Clear leaves and debris away from storm drains in your neighborhood with a rake or broom if it is possible to do safely, without standing in the street.
Don’t put grass clippings, leaves, or other debris into drains, ditches, creeks, culverts, gutters or ravines. If a storm drain appears blocked below the street surface, call 206-386-1800.
Clean gutters and downspouts twice a year.
Build a family emergency kit. Keep enough water, food and other supplies (flashlights, crank or battery-operated radio, blankets) in your home to meet your needs for at least three days.
During storm season, keep your cell phone charged up. In case of a power failure, you may have to go several days without charging electronic devices.
Have a family disaster plan: where will you meet up in case of emergency? Do you have an out-of-state friend or relative to call and leave messages as to your whereabouts? Often following an earthquake or other disaster, it is easier to get through to an out-of-state phone number.
Protect water pipes from freezing in exposed or unheated areas (attics, basements and garages) by wrapping with tape and insulating materials.
Visit www.takewinterbystorm.org for more tips on how to prepare for winter storms.